Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Sunday broke his silence on the deepening political crisis in the state, declaring that he remains unperturbed by ongoing impeachment threats because his confidence is rooted in faith, not noise.
Fubara, who spoke during an interdenominational church service marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt, took a veiled swipe at his political adversaries, widely believed to be loyal to his estranged predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
Recalling remarks he made at a New Year dinner, the governor said, “Dogs bark when they don’t understand,” a comment that drew murmurs across the congregation.
He explained his restrained public posture amid the crisis, saying, “A lot of you don’t understand that the reason I don’t shout or complain is that I know that I have what is supreme, and that is God.”
In a light but telling moment, Fubara jokingly told worshippers that the service might be his and his deputy’s last public outing before handing the microphone to Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu—an apparent reference to the fresh impeachment proceedings initiated against them.
Urging residents to remain calm, the governor said peace, not political drama, remained his priority. “I want everyone to be relaxed. What is important is peace for this dear state. We will get it by the special name of God,” he added.
Sunday’s appearance marked the first public outing of both Fubara and Odu since the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, commenced a new impeachment process against them last Thursday.
The lawmakers accused the governor and his deputy of gross misconduct, including alleged refusal to present the state budget in line with constitutional provisions and actions said to threaten democratic governance.
The move represents the third impeachment attempt against Fubara in less than three years, underscoring the prolonged power struggle between the governor and lawmakers aligned with Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day service featured prayers for fallen Nigerian servicemen and women who paid the ultimate price for the nation’s unity, as well as intercessions for troops currently serving in conflict zones.
Fubara’s calm posture comes days after his return from an overseas trip reportedly involving high-level consultations over the Rivers crisis. His decision to address the situation from a spiritual platform rather than a political rally appeared deliberate, signalling restraint amid escalating tensions.
The governor and his administration have so far declined to issue a formal response to the specific impeachment allegations.
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